A comparison of fungal strains used in the bioassay of wood preservatives

IRG/WP 2220

J Wazny, H Greaves

Previously published data are presented relating to a number of strains of wood-destroying basidiomycetes (Coniophora puteana, Coriolus versicolor, Gloeophyllum abietinum, Gloeophyllum sepiarium, Gloeophyllum trabeum, Lentinus lepideus, Poria placenta, Fibroporia vaillantii and Serpula lacrymans) commonly used as test fungi in the bioassay of wood preservatives. The data, which has not been statistically compared, consists of mycelial growth rates, decay capacities, and toxic values using agar, agar-block and soilblock methods based on data published over a period of almost 50-years. In many cases a large variation can be observed between strains originating from the same geographical region and between strains from different climatic-geographical zones. The differences between individual sub-cultures of the same strain, as used in various laboratories - or even in the same laboratories - are noted. Many of the published bioassay methods contain insufficient detail to make statistical assessments. Therefore, the authors have not attempted a definitive comparison of the numerous data. A proposal is presented to organize an international resource of pure cultural strains used as test organisms in bioassays of wood fungus may be dictated by local requirements.


Keywords: FUNGI; STRAINS; TESTING; GROWTH RATE; DECAY CAPACITY; BIOASSAY; PRESERVATIVES; TOXIC VALUES; AGAR/BLOCK TESTS; SOIL/BLOCK TESTS

Conference: 84-05-28...06-01 Ronneby Brunn, Sweden


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